An investigation has been launched by the MLS regarding the alleged use of a racial slur toward Inter Miami and Reggae Boyz defender Damion Lowe, following an intense 3-2 win over DC United on Sunday.
According to reports, its alleged that D.C. United player Taxi Fountas directed the N-word at Inter Miami defender Lowe following an on-field challenge.
“MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language and we take these allegations very seriously,” an MLS spokesperson said in a statement to ESPN. “An investigation into this matter will begin promptly. Further information will be provided upon completion of that investigation ” the added as per ESPN
A spokesperson for D.C. United also issued a statement, regarding the matter “D.C. United are aware of the allegations involving a player during the match against Inter Miami CF. The club will work closely with Major League Soccer and Inter Miami to investigate the incident.”
For his, part Fountas also issued his own statement on his social media on Monday, denying the allegations, while sharing his frustration of about what he says are false accusations
“I did not use the word I am being accused of using,” Fountas wrote. “That despicable racial slur is one I denounce and did not use.”
The alleged incident occurred around the 59th minute of a 3-2 Miami victory. It followed a scuffle between Fountas and Lowe. Miami defender Aime Mabika then reacted angrily at Fountas.
The referee then cautioned both Fountas and Lowe over the incident, however, proceeded to confer with the captains of both teams as well as the respective managers, Inter Miami’s Phil Neville and D.C. United’s Wayne Rooney. As per ESPN
Following the game, the match official said neither he nor any other member of the officiating crew heard a racial slur being used.
Fountas was subbed out in the 66th minute following a delay of several minutes.
DCU manager Rooney said, “There was a complaint, which I’m sure will get investigated. Not much more I can say.”
It was left to Neville to reveal the nature of the confrontation.
“We need to address an issue that maybe in the past was swept under the carpet, but we’re a club that is proud of our diversity and inclusion in our staff and supporters, and there is no place at all for racism on a football field or society,”
Neville shared during his postgame conference. “A word was used that is unacceptable in society. It is the worst word in the world.”
Inter defender DeAndre Yedlin, said on a postgame videoconference that the players informed Neville they wouldn’t continue unless something was done about Fountas.
Rooney soon made the decision to sub out Fountas.
“We came out with the win, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t even feel like a win because of that incredibly dark moment, so now we’ll see what MLS does about it,” Yedlin lamented.
“My eyes will be on that a lot. It’s up to them to take action and make a stand and show that it not only has no place in the game but no place in society “he added.
Lowe later posted a an image of himself on the field with a caption Black is beautiful.
